| Back to INDEX | CASPER From 1977 to 1983, Msgr. Lawrence Etchingham served as pastor of St. Anthony’s Church. In early 1983, Msgr. Etchingham was named Chancellor for the Diocese and transferred to his new ministry in Cheyenne. That March, Msgr. James O’Neill came to Casper from Cheyenne, where he had served as pastor of St. Mary’s Cathedral for almost 20 years. In addition to serving as pastor of St. Anthony’s, Msgr. O’Neill was Vicar General of the Diocese and Dean of the Casper Deanery throughout the decade. Parish Staff Msgr. O’Neill was greeted by Father Ed Dolinar and Father Vernon Clark. Serving as parish secretary was Carol Edgeworth. Father Michael Hellman (ordained May 27, 1983) joined the staff when Vern Clark went to Catholic University. Trish and Bob Pushaw joined the staff in July, 1983, as Religious Education Coordinator and Youth Minister and remained until 1985. In November 1983, the parish finance committee began looking for a business manager. They requested a Brother of Holy Cross and in September 1984, Brother Edward Dailey became the new parish administrator. Seminarian Patrick Birkle served the parish in the summer of 1984 and was followed by Deacon Terry Hruska in September, 1984. Fr. Terry had been ordained a deacon May 18, 1983 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. He was ordained a priest on November 29, 1984. Bill Houston followed Trish Pushaw as Religious Education Director and Danny Brock followed Bob as Youth Minister. In 1985, Fr. Ed left the parish and in 1986, Fr. Terry was transferred to Our Lady of Fatima Church. In September 1986, Brother Edward left the parish to become Secretary General for the Bothers of Holy Cross. He was replaced by Brother Raymond Phillips. In 1987, the parish was down to only two priests, where previously it had been served by two priests and a deacon. Serving in the parish offices were Louise Macken and Mary Kay O’Brien. Janet Bourdet replaced Danny Brock as youth minister. Deacon Thomas Cronkleton, Jr. came to St. Anthony’s in 1986. St. Anthony’s was his first assignment. He was ordained on December 29, 1986. Fr. Tom was young and enthusiastic about the priesthood and an asset to parish. Father Michael remained as a priest-in-residence, serving the Diocese as Vocations Director. Seminarian Peter Johnson came to St. Anthony’s in June of 1987. On June 4, 1988, he was ordained a deacon. Father Tom was transferred to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cheyenne in May 1989. His dream was to study Canon Law. From September to December, 1988, Msgr. O’Neill attended a program of liturgy for the clergy in Rome. His substitute was Fr. Roger Schmidt, OSB. Father Roger was transferred to Newman Center in Laramie in 1990. Msgr. O’Neill and Father Carl Gallinger brought the parish into the new\ decade assisted by Brother Raymond Phillips, Sr. Janice Hasselo, and parish secretary Mary Heim. Sisters In May 1980, the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary announced it would be necessary for many of their order to accept teaching positions or graduate school training closer to the Motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa. St. Anthony’s convent, once built to house some 30 nuns was closed to eventually become the Catholic Conference Center. A house at 604 S. Durbin was put into service to house the five remaining sisters in Casper. In 1983, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated the 150th anniversary of their order. Though only 3 nuns were left in Casper (Sister Mary Reparata Hartnagle, Sr. Mary Prudentius Fuller, an Sr. Mary St. Luke Belus), they so shaped its Catholic life that a concelebrated mass was offered, attended by other BVMs serving in the diocese. On Friday, October 5, 1984, Sister Mary Reparata Hartnagle celebrated her Golden Jubilee with the BVM order. She was honored with a Mass and reception at the church. Sr. Reparata spent 25 years teaching music a St. Anthony’s School and has served as an office assistant since 1982. The Reparata Conference Room at St. Anthony’s school is a tribute to her extraordinary life of service. In 1984, Sr. Mary Prudentius Fuller, minister of pastoral care to the sick and elderly for 12 years, retired to California. She received a trip to Lourdes from the parish council. Sr. Helen Louise Young, BVM, took her place as minister to the ill and infirm. Sr. Mary St. Luke Belus is in charge of the media center at the Catholic Conference Center Sr. Ramona Negrette of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi served the Hispanic population of St. Anthony’s (see Hispanic Ministry) until she was transferred to Japan. Sisters Mary Judith Brown and Mary Genevieve Cavanaugh serve the senior citizens of Casper at St. Anthony Manor. Sister Janice Hasselo is a member of the Sinsinawa Dominican order. In August, 1984, Sr. Janice became involved in pastoral ministry at St. Anthony’s Parish. In February of 1987, she became Pastoral Associate of St. Anthony’s and is Director of Adult Religious Education. Sister Janice has a Master of Theology degree from the University of San Francisco and many years experience in teaching elementary school and high school. Sr. Janice is blessed with wisdom in theological matters. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee in May 1989. Parish Council In 1980, Fr. Etchingham instituted the first Parish Council to assist him in his duties as pastor. In 1983, the council consisted of chairpersons of different organizations within the church. During 1984, the parish assessed its needs and hired a parish administrator, youth minister, religious education director, director for Hispanic needs, adult education coordinator, and principal and vice principal for the school. This was done to better serve the parish. The council then challenged the parishioners to better support the necessary programs. In March 1986, the Parish Council was restructured based on Diocesan guidelines. There were 8 elected members and 3 appointed members by May 1986. In keeping with the new Code of Canon Law a Finance Committee was appointed so the Parish Council no longer had to be involved in the finances of the parish. The Parish Council would be concerned with ministry in the parish and outreach. In September 1988, the Parish Council participated in a retreat to enhance their spirituality, communications, sense of belonging, shared responsibility, hospitality, awareness of parish needs, and affirmation. The retreat enabled them to set priorities for the coming year and assume greater responsibility in decision making with regards to pastoral programs to meet the needs of the parish. Finance Committee The responsibility of the Finance Committee is to insure that the parish operation continues on a sound financial basis. They oversee financial matters and adopt a budget for each fiscal year. They provide suggestions when ordinary income is not taking care of current expenses. In 1985, the Finance Committee decided that parish pledging will be concurrent with the Programs for People Campaign and that the parish will have separate pledging for capital improvements. A capital fund raising project for Shepherd’s Staff building was begun. The budget was cut according to a set of priorities provided by the Parish Council. In January 1986, the Finance Committee voted to maintain the existing parish ministries but not take on additional ones. In October a 1% Sharing Program was initiated. One percent of the parish’s ordinary income would be donated to the Hanna/Saratoga parish. A Parish Development Committee was formed to encourage stewardship in the parish. Ministry representatives spoke at each of the masses to tell the parishioners what different areas the church is involved in. In January 1989, St. Anthony’s implemented “Target 25” a professional program to raise the financial giving of parishioners in keeping with inflation. Liturgical Committee In 1983, each of the different ministries had a chair-person. St. Anthony’s had lectors, Eucharistic ministers to bring the Eucharist to the homebound, greeters, and ushers. These ministers of hospitality, the Word and the Eucharist are thoroughly trained and renewed through workshops and evenings of prayer. St. Anthony’s holds Information Fairs (presenting 27 ministries) as a very successful annual event. In 1984, a liturgy committee was formed to see to the full implementation of the directions of the 2nd Vatican Council to bring about greater involvement of people in ministry. In December, 1985, St. Anthony’s had an active liturgy committee, 42 lectors, 50 Eucharistic ministers, and candeliers were introduced into the parish. By the end of the decade 2 lectors, 7 Eucharistic ministers, 2 servers, 2 candeliers, 4 ushers, and music ministers were present at each of the five weekend masses. Ministering to the Church Family Special Liturgies In December 1983, Bishop Joseph Hart celebrated the Christmas liturgy on December 19th so it could be shown on local television Christmas Eve. Beginning in January 1984, weekly Sunday morning Mass was televised for shut-ins at 8:30, pre-taped by priests throughout the diocese. In December 1986, the Parish Council felt the need to develop a “Welcome Back Program” for alienated Catholics as a long term goal after the Centennial Celebration. An annual Welcome Home Mission was developed to encourage alienated and non-practicing Catholics to return to the Church family and provide an on-going conversion experience for regular parishioners. The first Welcome Home Mission was held Sunday -Thursday, March 12-16, 1989. The themes were Coming Home to Yourself, Coming Home to Others, Coming Home to God, and Celebration of the Mass of Reconciliation. The mission was publicized over radio, TV, the newspapers, and posters. Information and answers to questions were prepared. Invitations were sent out and van transportation provided. Greeters, hospitality ministers, and special music all served to make people feel at home. In March 1987, Father Patrick Shea became the first grandfather ever ordained at St. Anthony’s Church. A widower, Father Shea chose to devote his remaining years to God. His first assignment was St. Margaret’s in Riverton. In July 1989, St. Anthony’s Parish celebrated the Casper Centennial with Mass in City Park. Many, many people came to give thanks and praise to God despite temperatures over 100 degrees. Healing masses In 1984, the parish began to hold services for the anointing of the sick. By 1986 communal anointing masses were held with participation from the other parishes and welcomed persons of all faiths. Persons from nursing homes are brought on buses to attend. In March 1986 Fr. Stephan Barnum held a Healing Mass at St. Anthony’s. In Spring 1987, he taught a Life in the Spirit Seminar. He returned again in October, 1987. Prayer Groups The Shalom Prayer Group is a charismatic group that meets to sing and pray each month in O’Reilly Hall. Pax Christi is group of parishioners promoting peace. Many parishioners are involved in Right to Life. Small home prayer groups continue as an offshoot of the Renew Program. Family Life In September 1983, Charlie and Rosemary Greer started serving coffee and donuts after Mass on the first Sunday of each month as a means of getting families from the parish acquainted with each other. In December 1986, a nursery was started during Sunday morning masses. Brother Raymond Phillips expanded the coffee fellowship by providing cinnamon rolls and by February 1987, the Sunday morning coffee fellowship was self-supporting. Brother Ray again expanded into providing a full breakfast as a way of raising funds for the parish and the Brothers’ work with the poor. The breakfast fellowship is always well attended and has greatly enhanced the concept of the parish as family. In February 1986, the parish began to hold a “Rainbows for all God’s Children Program” for children who have experienced death or divorce in their family. In September 1987 the parish began holding annual Married Couples Celebrations including Mass followed by a dinner and dance. In June 1987, Parish picnics were begun, later to become tri-parish picnics. Ed and Pat McCarthy developed a Family Life Ministry including: marriage preparation and enrichment, engaged encounters, Natural Family Planning, communication, the parent-share process, and couple celebrations. The ministry expanded throughout the Diocese. Ministries In 1980, St. Anthony’s Altar and Rosary Society changed its name to St. Anthony’s Council for Catholic Women. It is affiliated with the National Council of Catholic Women. The members provide service to the community like dinners for the bereaved on the occasion of a funeral service. There are several committees including a legislative committee. They are responsible for the parish museum. In 1983, the Social Concerns Committee was handling concerns like Seniors needing storm windows. By 1986 the members were offering their homes to people in need. In 1985, a group of parishioners called “Christ’s Closet” started providing clothing give-aways for the poor of the community. From 1985 to 1889 they held fund drives, dinners, and crafts sales to raise money to buy toys for needy children at Christmas. They made dolls and cradles and provided food baskets for hungry families, In 1983, Sr. Mary Prudentius made the Regal Club available to the Seniors in the community. She ministered to the sick and elderly assisted by Brother Daniel and Brenda Wilking who made home and hospital calls. By 1987 the average attendance at the Regal Club was 65-70. The ministry serves over 100 people. In March, 1987, Perpetual Adoration was established and the cry room made into a Chapel of Adoration. St. Anthony’s is blessed with several fine music ministers. In April, 1989, Mary Diesburg and Penny Smith became the duo “Spirit Sound” and recorded the tape “Dear One”. Hispanic Ministry September 1983 brought Sr. Ramona, of the order of St. Francis, to Casper. She is a native of Fort Laramie, from St. Rose Parish in Torrington. Sr. Ramona served as pastoral minister in order to integrate the Spanish people into the Christian community of Casper. Approximately 2000 Hispanics live in Casper. Parish leaders assisting Sr. Ramona were Cleo Martinez, Benny Isais, and Frances Eccles. In 1983, there were 15 Hispanic children in CCD and 58 families registered in the parish. Needs of Hispanic community included; adult education in religion, church teachings, liturgy, sacraments, young adult programs, bilingual masses, prayer groups, social services, legal services, hospital visits, home visits, jail visits, nursing home visits, spiritual counseling, psychological counseling, and marriage counseling. Also needed was training for priests and religious to work to unite the Hispanics among themselves healing hurts. Since 1981, Spanish Masses have been offered once a month. But more emphasis was needed on sacramental occasions. Now each September the Hispanic community celebrates the Fiesta which coincides with the Day of Mexican Independence. In December the community offers a special Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadeloupe. Hispanics participated in RENEW. In 1983, 200 Hispanic and non-Hispanic persons participated in the Mass and fiesta of Our Lady of Guadeloupe. Over 300 persons were contacted through visits and phone calls. In October 1986, Sr. Ramona started a core committee of the three parishes to plan events for the Hispanic Community. In 1986, 175 people participated in las Posadas, the re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem to find lodging The parish began a regularly scheduled Spanish Mass in January 1987 on the last Sunday of each month at 11:30 am. It is a bilingual service and provides the opportunity to understand and grow with the Hispanic Catholic traditions. The rosary is also prayed at 11:00 before the Spanish Mass. Sr. Ramona served as Hispanic Minister until 1988, when she accepted a assignment to Tokyo, Japan. During the five years she served in Casper, Sr. Ramona strove meet the goal of the Spanish-speaking Apostolate to provide spiritual, cultural, and social nourishment for Hispanic Catholics, to surface the needs of the Hispanic community and bring about Hispanic Catholic leadership within the diocese. Her goal was “to make every effort to integrate Hispanic people of all ages in the on going life of the parish.” Sr. Ramona was replaced by Carol Green, a teacher with great love of Mexican culture, tradition, music, and history. Carol was the Hispanic Minister for both St. Anthony’s and St. Patrick’s. Carol strove to carry out the Bishop’s Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry to more fully incorporate the Hispanic community without losing their heritage and roots while sharing their cultural identity with other groups through interaction for greater understanding. Carol prepared the monthly liturgy for Spanish masses, conducted bible studies in Spanish and coordinated lectors, musicians, and the Hispanic Choir. In 1988, a Religious Survey of North Casper was completed in cooperation with Winter Memorial Church. The survey found that many Hispanic families are no longer Catholic but attend Sonlight [sic] Ministries or other Pentecostal churches. Parishioners attending monthly Hispanic ministry meetings are very concerned about members who have left the church. In May 1989, St. Anthony’s hosted the statewide Catholic Hispanic Ministry (formerly the Spanish Apostolate Board). In 1989, a tri-parish Spanish choir was formed. Ministering to the Casper Community North Side Center North Side Center was founded in 1970, by Sister Cathy Milder, a BVM nun who taught at St. Anthony’s School. She was very concerned about the poor. The Center was established to assist residents of North Casper and expanded to serve anyone who came to the center with compassion and love with no restriction to race, color, or creed. After 10 years of directing the center and raising money for those in need. Sister returned to college to obtain a Masters in Education. At Sr. Cathy’s request, Kathryn Tripeny became director of the center in May, 1980. The Center receives $800 yearly from the parishes. Kathyrn is a volunteer. Money for the phone, postage, and copies are taken from the budget. The remainder is used for meeting community needs. A major portion comes from the St. Vincent De Paul Store and donations. By the time North Side Center is asked for help, no other agency has been able to help. Assistance is provided for medical travel, utilities, medical and dental assistance, prescriptions, layettes, motels, special needs, rent, gas, shoes, and occasionally college textbooks. Interfaith keeps duplication to a minimum and Holy Cross Center meets food needs. St. Vincent de Paul Store In 1980, the North Side Center building was converted into the headquarters for the St. Vincent de Paul Salvage Center. The Center is a lay-administered society run by volunteers who serve a need for the entire community of Casper. St. Vincent’s offers second hand clothing appliances, and other goods at bargain prices. The store is staffed by director Phyliss Coleman who is always organizing, rearranging, and repairing merchandise for sale. She is assisted by volunteers who devote many hours to running the store and serving its customers in a friendly fashion. In 1983, 4792 persons received help from St. Vincent’s. The money earned at St. Vincent’s is donated to Northside Center, Holy Cross Center, Seton House, and Interfaith Clearinghouse. Interfaith Clearing House In 1983, Msgr. O’Neill served on an ecumenical board of all the service agencies. In October, the Brothers of Holy Cross recommended a referral system to direct people in need to the services available in the community. In December 1983, the interfaith council met to form a clearing house of services. The interfaith council suggested the Brothers of Holy Cross be given top consideration to facilitate this needed service in Casper. It was hoped they would investigate it and it would materialize. In October 1984, Brother Robert headed the Interfaith Task Force. In January 1985, Interfaith Clearinghouse beg under the direction of Joyce Bryan and Barbara Pringle. Holy Cross Brothers On August 10, 1982, five Holy Cross Brothers came to Casper to serve the poor through St. Anthony’s Parish. A home was set up for them at 645 S. David. Brother Gerard started their ministry by providing food for the poor. Brother Robert helped establish Interfaith Clearinghouse. Bro. Daniel served in Ministry to the Aged. Brother Edward served as parish administrator. In May 1986, Bro. Raymond Phillips became the physical plant supervisor and worked part time at the school. Brother Daniel accepted a new assignment and Brother Richard assumed his duties to the sick and elderly. In September, Bro. Edward left St. Anthony’s to accept a new assignment as General Secretary for Congregation of Holy Cross in Rome. A reception was held after Mass on Sept. 28th. Brother Ray became parish administrator following Brother Edward. His December 1989 state of parish report included many repairs on the church property. He started a physical plant file and checklist for operative and preventative maintenance, a semi-annual inspection file, and renovated the kitchen in O’Reilly hall at reduced cost. Holy Cross Center In September 1983, Brother Gerard gave away 223 bags of groceries and served 400 people. He distributed 2883 bags of groceries in the 15 months between October 1982 and December 1983. He founded Holy Cross Center at 841 North Durbin with the donation of a freezer and 300 pounds of meat. Brother Francis Kjeldgaard came to Casper in 1985 to replace Brother Gerard at Holy Cross Center. The need for food continued to grow and by 1987 the Center was very active with 6000 people being given groceries. Toward the end of the decade over 10,000 people were being served each year. In November 1988, Holy Cross Center moved from a one room facility on Durbin Street to 239 East H street. The new building had a total of 3109 sq. ft. There were offices in the front to serve clients and warehouse type storage in the back. The new building was dedicated 01 January 21, 1989, by Bishop Hart who was assisted by the clergy of other churches in Casper. Over 100 people attended. In 1988, an advisory board was organized to assist Holy Cross Center with development and management. The amount of food being distributed was doubled by using foods obtained at a major food bank in Cheyenne. By May 1988, families were given 12 meals worth of food and as of May 1989, they were receiving enough food for 21 meals. The number of volunteers assisting Bro. Francis has doubled. In December 1989, Msgr. O’Neill incorporated Holy Cross Center as a non-profit corporation with an ecumenical Board of Directors, making the entire Christian community responsible for the ministry of Holy Cross Center. Seton House - The Brothers of Holy Cross serve on the Human Services Commission Task Force for the Poor and Homeless. In the Fall of 1988, they began looking for a building suitable for expanding their ministry to include the homeless. In July 1989, the Brothers received a donation of a seven unit apartment building through the Church of St. Anthony for their work in serving the poor. Brother Raymond Phillips founded Seton House, an emergency/transitional housing facility for homeless women and children and began renovations immediately. Brother Ray gathered a team of professional volunteers from the three parishes in Casper. They completed the Manager’s House, Seton House’s exterior, the basement laundry facility and recreation room, and the three main floor apartments in November 1989. Seton House opened on December 5, 1989. Mary Patrick, who was serving as St. Anthony’s Resource Coordinator, developed the social services programs for the shelter, organized its management system, and coordinated the fund-raising efforts necessary to complete and operate the shelter. In December 1989, Brother Raymond incorporated Mother Seton Housing, Inc., a non-profit organization, to direct Seton House. The Board hired Mary as Executive Director, and Seton House became totally independent. The Brothers and their volunteers continued to renovate the building and the four upstairs apartments opened in May, 1990. It has been full to capacity ever since. Our Houses Rebuilt Physical Plant In November 1986 an intercom and public address system were installed in the church with jacks in the choir loft and vestibule, a new amplifier, and a higher microphone on the ambo. In October 1987 a special collection was taken to resurface the blacktop of the parking lot. A beautiful new Alien Organ was donated to the church and the front right section of the church was redesigned to accommodate it* Shepherd’s Staff Fire In 1984, the building at 604 S. Center was purchased to house the parish offices because of poor economic conditions in Wyoming, 1985 and 1986 were financially tough years for St. Anthony’s. Mary Hagood gave a donation to the school and shortly after donated a huge sum to pay off the outstanding mortgage on the Shepherd’s Staff building. A plaque therein honors Mary Hagood and her exceptional devotion to the church. She was a special friend to St. Anthony’s, she offered sparkle and hope in troubled times. Disaster struck in November 1986, when someone broke into the Shepherd’s Staff building where the St. Anthony’s staff had their offices, piled many church records and files and old pictures in the hallway and set them afire. Damage was assessed at $150,000. Many records that might have been included in this history were destroyed. The fire was traumatic for the staff as it destroyed many of their personal belongings. It was fortunate that all parish records, while tinged, were salvageable. The parish still has records of baptisms, confirmations, first communions, and marriages. The staff was temporarily quartered at the Catholic Conference Center until remodeling was completed in May 1987. The building was redesigned by Dick O’Hearn and Brother Raymond, and includes a conference room for meetings and adult education programs. The carved wooden doors symbolize the faith of the people within. Rectory Catholic Conference Center The building was constructed in 1955, as a convent to house the Sisters at St. Anthony’s School and eventually those who would teach at the catholic high school the parishes hoped would be built. But changes came and most of the Sisters returned to Iowa. The convent, once built to house some 30 nuns, was closed to eventually become the Catholic Conference Center. In January 1981, the 32 bedrooms began to be used for Marriage Encounters, Engaged Encounters, men’s and ladies’ retreats, Priests Institutes, Diocesan Pastoral Council meetings, finance committee meetings, as well as gatherings of the Wyoming Council of Catholic Women and the Priest’s Senate, Lay Ministry Formation, and Adults in Ministry to Youth. The Center became “home away from home” for traveling priests and sisters, and provides accommodations for special events like weddings, ordinations, funerals, and even family reunions. The Center dining room accommodates 50 people and the basement houses a large meeting room which accommodates 50 people. The lounge in the basement which holds 20 people, hosts weeknight groups such as AA, ACOA, and the Alliance for the Mentally 111. The building served as temporary offices of the St. Anthony’s staff while the Shepherd Staff building was being restored. In 1983, the main floor bedrooms and living room were converted into offices for the centralized Diocesan offices of Catholic Social Services, Youth Ministry, Family Services, Lay Ministry, Planned Giving, and the Diocesan Education Office including the library and media center. The upper floors still provide accommodations for Marriage Encounters, retreats, and visiting priests and religious. St. Anthony’s Manor One of Msgr. O’Neill’s first tasks was to oversee the final phase of construction of the St. Anthony Manor. The building was dedicated December 18, 1983. Bishop Hart officiated at the opening ceremony. St. Anthony Manor is the first federally funded, church sponsored housing complex for the elderly. The eight story structure contains sixty-four subsidized one-bedroom apartments for the elderly and handicapped. A modern retirement residence, the Manor provides a safe tranquil, happy atmosphere for its residents and is lovingly guided by Sisters Mary Judith Brown and Mary Genevieve Cavanaugh, Sisters of Loretto. The residents can help with service projects, attend socials participate in arts and crafts projects, or work out in the exercise room. Religious Education CCD The parish has a successful program of family-based preparation for First Eucharist. The concept of Eucharistic Community brings the entire family into the Church and understanding of Eucharist, as the family works with their child through their first communion preparation. In January 1987, a Religious Education Certification Program was begun. Persons interested in becoming religious education instructors began the 3 year program leading to certification. Youth Ministry In September 1983, Trish and Bob Pushaw began recruiting religious education teachers and developing the youth ministry program. In October 1983, service projects for the parish youth included a clothing drive for the needy. The youth had a special All Saints Day and Thanksgiving liturgy. A Thanksgiving food drive and Starve-a-thon raised over $300 and hundreds of cans of food for Holy Cross Center, They performed a Christmas play and liturgy service, decorated the Manor and helped with Santa House. Youth participated in CYO basketball and volleyball and held Christmas tree sales to raise money for a ski trip to Jackson. In June 1985, Danny Brock took over as parish youth minister and continued to build the program. In December 1986, Janet Bourdett became the parish youth minister. 60 youth attended the Youth Spring Festival. In 1989, Phyllis Jones began to serve as both Religious Education Director and Youth Minister. Adult Education In December 1983, the parish realized a need for an Adult Religious Education Coordinator. Parishioners were interested in scripture classes and classes on the modern presentation of the faith. Mary Harris served as a resource person in the catechetical department of the school and offered materials to parents to coordinate what was being taught in the religious education program of the school and CCD classes. In January 1984, the parish began a search for full-time adult education coordinator. By February, the Inquiry classes taught by Father Ed and Mary Harris had reached approximately 70 people. In March 1984, Sr. Janice Hasselo was hired as the adult religious education coordinator for the parish. Mary Harris began to teach full-time at St. Anthony’s School. The 1986, fire destroyed all of the parish’s adult religious education materials. In March 1987, Sr. Janice began to replace the materials and with the help of Mary Patrick, developed a Parish Resource Center. The Center contains library books and videos on religion, spirituality, and personal growth. Sr. Janice facilitates bible study groups, inquiry classes, and ACOA groups. Sales of See’s Candies at Christmas time make it possible for the parish to buy adult education materials. RENEW In October 1983, the parish was introduced to the RENEW Program. RENEW gave the parishioners the opportunity to share and spread their faith. They met in small and large groups - praying, discussing, learning more about themselves and Catholicism. In a time of financial crisis in the city, these groups offered support and faith. RENEW was especially important to the Senior members of the parish, and Spanish RENEW groups sought more information on knowing the Faith. After the groups stopped meeting formally, many friendships and prayer groups formed, and faith grew despite the population decline. RENEW had a profound and lasting effect on the lives of many Catholics. Lay Ministry In September 1988, several members of St. Anthony’s parish enrolled in the first Lay Ministry Formation class of the Diocese of Cheyenne. They would graduate in May 1990. The participants attended small group meetings, retreats, and did ministry practicuros to prepare for a greater role in the ministry of the Church. St. Anthony’s School In May of 1980, the school faced the loss of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The next school year began with a complete lay faculty and the first lay principle of St. Anthony’s School, Mr. Dan Quill. Dan Quill came to the school from Brownsville, Texas. The school at this time was a kindergarten through eighth grade school, His first summer here, Mr. Quill, Father Etchingham and a number of interested parents met to discuss adding a 9th grade in September. Adding ninth grade increased school enrollment and allowed students to go directly from St. Anthony’s School to the city high school. Also started in 1980, was negotiated tuition which helped the school financially. In October 1981, the Federal Hot Lunch program was added to the school. This allowed low-income parents to apply for free and/oi reduced lunches. Mr. Quill resigned to return to Brownsville, Texas in 1983. A nationwide search was started for a new principal. The Search Committee brought applicants in for an interview and then asked a teacher on the staff for her application for this position. She did apply and was offered the job. Mrs. Kozola had been teaching at the school since 1967. In her 16 years she had taught on all levels except kindergarten. Mary Kozola proved to be an exemplary principal earning the love and respect of parents and students alike. In the Fall of 1983, school enrollment was at 400 students. There were also 62 preschoolers in the building next to St. Anthony’s Manor. The preschool opened with a waiting list and has operated yearly with many families wishing to enroll their children. During 1983-1984, the halls were recarpeted and new lighting was added to the hallways with help from various community organizations who donated supplies. In April 1985, a trust was established to assist with teachers salaries. Student enrollment was 360 in preschool through ninth grade 1985 and 1986 were tough years for Casper. The school received a gift of faith from parishioner, Mary C. Hagood. Having seen three children through St. Anthony’s, Mrs Hagood was a firm believer in Catholic education. At a time when parochial schools were suffering financial hardship and Casper itself was in need, Mary’s generosity enabled St. Anthony school to add a library, a science room, a classroom and much needed office space. Grass was added to part of the playground as well as benches, and a wooden fence around the grass area. Trees were planted on the playground area as well as in front of the portable Reading building and on Wolcott street. Flower boxes were put up on Wolcott and on 7th Construction was completed and the St. Anthony Remodeling Project was dedicated by Bishop Hart on September 26, 1985. The following year more computers were added to the computer lab and computer classes were held daily for students. Spanish classes were held daily for the students of grades 2-9. Religion is very much a part of the life of students at the school. Students attend Mass every Friday with each class preparing a liturgy. In February 1986 the school started a Caring and Sharing program with professional counselors for those students who are shy or have difficulty relating to others. From 1985 to 1990, St. Anthony School continued to operate despite the drop in enrollment due to school families leaving Casper because of the decline in the oil industry. The PTO became very active during the 1983-89 years. They started a fundraiser called “the Calendar game”. The parents did not want the students going door-to-door selling products so they involved only the parents in the Calendar Game. Each calendar has a registered number and that person is eligible for a prize every day of the year and a bigger prize at the end of the month with an even larger prize at the end of the year. The PTO had a Santa House every season until 1989 (seven years) for 10 days, where each parent worked in some position. Santa House spread the true meaning of Christmas. Most pre-schools and day cares brought children to visit and many people came from surrounding communities. . People from throughout Casper came to help. This project had students from as far away as 100 miles. Each year about 5000 people stopped in to visit Santa House. The 300 Club is a dinner dance held each year to help support the school budget. It is held in February at one of the major hotels in the city. Many past students and former parents attend. It has become the social highlight for the Catholic community of Casper. In 1989, Representative Richard Cheney was guest speaker. St. Anthony’s students have participated in the Young Authors Program and have been state winners. Students enter the Science Fairs each year and have won on the District and State levels. Grades 5-9 participate in sports programs such as volleyball, basketball, and football. The focus of the sports program is on the students participating not winning and losing. Students continue to do well in all areas of the Stanford Achievement Tests. In February 1988, a Parent Share Program was started to help parents communicate with their children. The school participated for the firs-time in the National Education Program and was one of the finalists. In February 1989, the school incorporated as a tri-parish school with its own board of directors. The entire Catholic community will be responsible for its operation. This will also enable it to be independent and set up a trust fund to improve teachers’ salaries. Ten years ago the parish provided 64% of the school’s operating budget, in 1989 it provided less than 10%. Also in February, Mary Kozola announced she was resigning from her job as principal at the end of the year. A retirement party was held at the 300 Club dinner dance. Mrs. Kozola was given the gift of a grandfather clock. In September 1989, Perry Jones became principal of St. Anthony’s school. Celebrating Our History Centennial Celebration of the Diocese of Cheyenne * August 1987 On August 7, 1987, a two-hour historical pageant written and produced by Tom Empey of Casper and starring many of the parishioners of the three parishes of Casper, opened the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Cheyenne. Thousands of Catholics from throughout the state came to join in the celebration. The highlight of the celebration was a concelebrated Mass with the Papal Delegate and bishops from throughout the United States and several foreign countries. The Mass was celebrated on August 8th in the Casper Event Center. A special Centennial Choir led the participants in song. Casper families provided hospitality for many visiting families. A special Centennial logo was designed by John Post, the son of Virginia Post. A special Diocesan Centennial Committee, chaired by Msgr. James O’Neill, organized the celebration and the special events leading up to and building excitement for the August finale. The event closed with an open air barbecue hosted by the Knights of Columbus. The Centennial Celebration brought the Wyoming Church closer together, and with the beginning of a new decade, her people look forward to the future and their journey together. Acknowledgement |
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